The United Way System

The mission of United Way is to improve people's lives by mobilizing the caring power of communities.

A Community-Based National Movement

United Ways across the country activate community resources to make the greatest possible human impact. The United Way system includes approximately 1,350 community-based United Way organizations. Each is independent, separately incorporated and governed by local volunteers. As community leaders, United Ways address the most critical local issues and mobilize resources beyond the dollars that are pledged through their fund-raising efforts. Community partners often include schools, government policy makers, businesses, organized labor, financial institutions, voluntary and neighborhood associations, community development corporations and the faith community.

Mobilizing the Caring Power of Communities

United Ways bring communities together to focus on the most important human needs-building partnerships, forging consensus and leveraging resources to make a measurable difference. Focus areas are identified at the local level and vary from community to community.

United Way of America is the national organization dedicated to leading the United Way movement in making measurable impact in every community across America. It invests in the programs and services that strengthen the ability of local United Ways to identify and build a coalition around a set of community priorities and measure success based on community impact.

United Ways ensure that each organization in which they invest is a non-profit, tax-exempt charity governed by volunteers, and that it submits to an annual, independent financial audit, provides services at a reasonable cost, and maintains a policy of non-discrimination.

A vast network of volunteers and the simplicity of corporate payroll deduction keep administrative expenses low - averaging 13 percent of all funds raised at the largest United Ways. This figure compares favorably with the suggested Better Business Bureau guidelines of up to 35 percent.

United Way of Morris County has served the Morris County community in New Jersey since its days as The Community Chest in 1922.

Find a Local United Way Organization outside of Morris County